How to grow Calathea

Calathea · Goeppertia

Clump-forming tropical foliage plant grown for its boldly patterned leaves; in many kinds the leaves fold upwards at night like hands in prayer. Most plants sold as calathea are now classed as Goeppertia.

Quick facts

Type	Houseplant
Family	Marantaceae
Light	Partial shade
Frost	does not tolerate frost
Soil for sowing	from 16 °C
Where it grows	At home

When to plant

Sow straight into the bed after your last spring frost, once the soil has warmed.

Frost dates · When to plant

Care

At home

Stage	Watering	Temperature	Feeding
Growth	every 5 days	16…21 °C	balanced (NPK), 44 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 74 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 104 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 134 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 164 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 194 days into the stage
Winter rest	every 10 days	16…21 °C	—

Growing notes

Light

A bright spot out of direct sun; in winter, when light is low, a south-facing windowsill is better. In poor light growth is weak.

Soil

Peat-free houseplant compost, or multi-purpose compost with about ten per cent grit. Do not let the roots stand in water, as they rot easily.

Care

Keep the compost evenly moist in spring and summer; in autumn and winter let the surface dry before watering, but never let the whole pot dry out, and avoid soggy compost, which causes oedema. Use rainwater or tap water left to stand for 24 hours. Keep it at 16–21 °C without sudden changes, and raise humidity with a tray of wet gravel, misting or a bathroom spot; dry air browns the leaf edges. Feed monthly from April to September and not at all from October to March. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Pests and diseases of Calathea

Two-spotted spider mite

Sources

Figures checked against these sources.